A TOP comedy star has pulled out of a festival appearance at Kendal Calling in a last-minute switch-up.
Jason Manford was scheduled to play a stand-up gig at the popular festival on Sunday but with 72 hours to go, he revealed he had to cancel his planned appearance.
However, in a major boost for the festival, they managed to secure a much bigger name to cover for Jason at the eleventh hour.
Confirming who would be covering him on Instagram, Jason revealed that Brit star John Bishop would be the man covering the job.
Penning an announcement on Instagram, Jason said: “John Bishop to the rescue or my slot at @kendalcalling on Sunday afternoon on the main stage!
“Might not be beating out Assembly Bangers in so grateful for yet another dear friend rallying round helping me out in an hour of need.”
It was accompanied by a video clip in which John said: “Some of [Jason’s] shows have been cancelled but one that can’t be cancelled is Kendal Calling.
“He’s asked me if I’m free and I am so I’m gonna step up and fill Jason’s boots at Kendal Calling.”
An insider added to The Sun of the festival shake-up: “Everyone is so grateful to John for stepping in – festival organisers and staff are excited to see his set.”
Jason has been forced to cancel a string of his performances after undergoing an operation.
Just days ago, the 44-year-old cancelled another gig just HOURS before he was due to entertain crowds.
He was set to perform as part of his A Manford All Seasons tour in Hertfordshire on Wednesday.
Organisers confirmed that those who purchased tickets would be able to attend an upcoming show in October.
It was later revealed that Jason had been admitted to hospital owing to ill health.
Taking to Instagram , Jason revealed he had been dealing with Appendicitis.
According to the NHS, Appendicitis is ” swelling and infection in your appendix (part of your bowel)” – and causes pain in the lower right side of the abdomen.
Jason captioned his post: “Appendix surgery all went well, now in recovery with my Vimto, they serve it in all Manchester hospitals.
“Bit of a scary & extremely painful 24 hours but thankful to our NHS & my incredible nurse mum who’s a godsend in a health crisis!
“My advice would be to not get Appendicitis whilst driving at 70mph on the motorway!
“Seriously though, I’m gutted that I’ve had to move the dates this weekend, and I’m sorry for the late notice to so many people in St Albans, Oxford, Lincoln, Skegness & at Kendall Calling.”
He added: “I thought I could get by on antibiotics and surgery at a later date so I could still do the shows, but was advised not to.
“Also means I can’t fly out to Portugal on Monday to join my family on holiday! Ah well, such is life.”
